Ranking the best 40 players in the college football transfer portal (2024)

Billy Tucker, Scouts, Football RecruitingApr 20, 2024, 01:20 PM ET
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College football's spring transfer period opened on April 16. More than 2,000 players transferred during the December transfer period, and while we might not see that volume during the spring, it's the final chance for teams to use the portal to fill needs or add to their roster. It's also the last time players can change schools before the season starts.

These rankings will be adjusted as new players enter the portal, and we'll add notes on what each transfer brings to his new program as players commit.

1. Kadyn Proctor, OT

Transferring from: Iowa

HT: 6-7 | WT: 360 | Class: Sophom*ore

Background: The former five-star and top-10 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class lived up to the hype in his first season at Alabama, starting 14 games as a true freshman at left tackle. While his play was inconsistent, his rare blend of size, athleticism and flexibility made up for the inexperience and he finished strong. He is equally impressive in pass protection as he is opening holes with his strength at the point of attack.

Proctor was ESPN's highest-rated prospect ever out of Iowa and initially committed to his hometown Hawkeyes as a high schooler before flipping to Bama. He entered the portal following Nick Saban's retirement and committed to head back to Iowa in January, but that didn't last long. Proctor is back in the portal; all signs point to a return to the Tide, where there are holes at both tackle spots with JC Latham off to the NFL.

2. Damien Martinez, RB

Transferring from: Oregon State

HT: 6-0 | WT: 232 | Class: Junior

Background: A consensus three-star out of Texas in 2022, Martinez boasts a combination of size and speed (4.63 40-yard dash) that was greatly undervalued. He was named All-Pac-12 First Team with Oregon State as a true freshman after running for 100 or more yards in six consecutive games, the longest streak by a Beavers player since Steven Jackson 2003. He followed that up with 1,185 yards as a sophom*ore. He rushed for over 2,000 yards in two seasons in Corvallis, averaging 6.1 yards per carry.

He's an agile, power back with great feet in the hole and the straight-line speed to take it the distance. Colleges slept on Martinez out of high school, but no one is overlooking the plug-and-play, every-down back now.

3. Dayon Hayes, DL

Transferring from: Pittsburgh

HT: 6-3 | WT: 265 | Class: Senior

Background: Hayes was one of the most disruptive front-seven defenders in the ACC last season, utilizing a high motor and athletic skill set off the edge to pressure the quarterback. He carried his weight well in high school and continued to add bulk and strength at Pitt while retaining his good upfield burst and lateral quickness. That speed-to-power combo led to 27 tackles for a loss and 13 sacks the past four seasons but he can continue to improve as a finisher.

The top defensive signee in the Panthers' 2020 recruiting class, Hayes lacks ideal size, but he makes up for it in scheme versatility. He will be highly coveted for his final season of eligibility.

4. Damonic Williams, DT

Transferring from: TCU Horned Frogs

HT: 6-2 | WT: 320 | Class: Junior

Background: Williams was a four-star recruit out of California but still fell under the national radar despite his size and explosiveness. It didn't take long for him to make a name for himself at TCU. He started every game as a true freshman and did the same last season as a sophom*ore while posting 33 total tackles, including five for a loss and three sacks on his way to earning honorable mention in Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year voting. Even at his size, he still possesses good quickness and explosive pop off the ball to shed and penetrate opponents' backfields. He plays with a motor as well, chasing plays down laterally and is very active in the trenches. With the physical tools and consistency he has shown in just two seasons in Fort Worth, Williams could be one of the biggest defensive targets in this spring cycle.

5. Andrew Chamblee, OT

Transferring from: Arkansas

HT: 6-6 I WT: 304 I Class: Sophom*ore

Background: Chamblee, the No. 2 prospect in Arkansas in the 2022 and an ESPN 300 recruit, retained his athleticism despite adding more size and strength to his 6-foot-6 frame while redshirting for the Razorbacks. He started eight games as a redshirt freshman and showed flashes at left tackle, earning Freshman All-SEC honors.

Chamblee has exceptional length, but struggled versus more explosive SEC edge rushers and needs to add more anchor power. The SEC's rule prohibiting players from transferring within conference will actually work in his favor.

6. Elijah Herring, LB

Transferring from: Tennessee

HT: 6-3 | WT: 238 | Class: Junior

Breakdown: A high-upside prospect, Herring signed with the Volunteers as a three-star recruit from Murfreesboro with a raw linebacker skill set. He packed muscle onto his long frame and flashed as a freshman reserve and special teams contributor in Knoxville.

Last season, he took advantage of injuries and moved up the depth chart and the production board. He started 11 games, finishing with a team-high 79 tackles (four for loss) and was a physical presence between the tackles. He also held his own coverage, although it's not his strength. For his career, Herring has 90 tackles, five tackles for loss and two sacks. Out of high school he was a strong edge player and could fill that role in the right scheme. Keep an eye on movement for his brother Caleb, a former ESPN 300 outside linebacker who has settled in at edge for the Vols.

7. Jacoby Mathews, DB

Transferring from:

HT: 6-2 | WT: 215 | Class: Junior

Background: Mathews is the latest defection from the Aggies' No. 1-ranked 2022 recruiting class. The group failed to live up to expectations, and now Mathews joins defensive linemen Walter Nolen and LT Overton, and wide receiver Evan Stewart, who have already transferred. The No. 3 safety in 2022, Mathews has excellent size and length (6-foot-1.5, 200 pounds) as an ESPN 300 prospect and was a big part of Texas A&M's class at the time.

Mathews made three starts as a freshman illustrating his excellent range and stepped into a bigger role in 2023, starting nine games and contributing on special teams. He finished fifth on Texas A&M with 42 tackles. An instinctive back-end defender, Mathews' strength is in coverage and playing in space. He can elevate his game as a tackler, but has size to still improve in that area. Considering his measurables and SEC starting experience, Mathews should be a coveted target in this window with plug-and-play potential.

8. Jay Toia, DL

Transferring from: UCLA

HT: 6-3 | WT: 325 | Class: Senior

Breakdown: A dominant presence on the interior for UCLA, Toia originally signed with USC in 2021 as a four-star recruit. His stay with the Trojans was short lived as he was only on campus for spring ball before transferring to UCLA. He has played three seasons for the Bruins with 25 starts and has done a great job anchoring the middle at nose tackle and forcing double teams. A true wide-bodied nose, he still managed to collect 25 tackles in each of the past two seasons. He's quick to engage, shuck blockers off his body and make plays down the line of scrimmage.

The Bruins would move him around the interior to penetrate and get a rush and he is far more than just a two-gap plugger. Those attributes will make him coveted in the portal and on Sundays. He has two years of eligibility remaining but the NFL will likely come calling with another strong season.

9. Samuel Brown, WR

Transferring from: Houston

HT: 6-2 I WT: 195: I Class: Junior

10. Myles Slusher, DB

Transferring from: Colorado

HT: 6-0 | WT: 195 | Class: Senior

Background: A former ESPN 300 defensive back, Slusher spent three productive seasons at Arkansas, including playing in all 11 games as a sophom*ore while posting 50 tackles and intercepting two passes. He was part of Deion Sanders' initial portal makeover in Boulder, and early returns were good.

Slusher played four games before injuries halted his season. He racked up 16 solo tackles -- including the game-winning stop in the Buffaloes' season-opening upset win over TCU. That tackle epitomized his range and downhill tackling ability. With two seasons of eligibility remaining, he will be a sought-after, scheme-versatile defensive back.

11. KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR

Transferring from: Penn State

HT: 6-1: | WT: 188: | Class: Senior

Background: The former 2020 ESPN 300 receiver never truly broke out for Penn State despite four consistent seasons. He arrived on campus with a slight frame and 4.5-second 40-yard dash speed and started five games as a true freshman while showing a dynamic skill set and polished route running.

The senior started strong this past season, but he tallied just two catches in his final four games as the Nittany Lions' offense lacked explosive plays. Still, Lambert-Smith had 53 grabs for 673 yards to lead PSU in both categories and finished his Penn State career with 1,721 yards and 11 touchdowns. While he never emerged as a consistent go-to threat, Lambert-Smith should be coveted in the portal market as a seasoned, versatile No. 2 or 3 pass-catcher.

12. Nyjalik Kelly, DL

Transferring from: Miami

HT: 6-5 | WT: 250 | Class: Junior

Background: Despite not yet putting together a complete season, Kelly has shown impressive enough flashes to land in the top 10. The former 2022 ESPN 300 prospect impressed during in-person evaluations. He has elite length while also demonstrating good explosiveness and agility in testing. Kelly was in the Hurricanes' defensive line rotation as a true freshman, appearing in 12 games and tallying four sacks. He entered 2023 with higher expectations, but injuries hampered him and limited him to just four games, where he made eight tackles and one for loss.

Considering his explosiveness as a prospect and his experience, Kelly has the tools to be a productive edge rusher if he can stay healthy. A change of scenery might help him get back on track. He initially committed to Florida State during his initial recruiting process.

13. Peny Boone, RB

Transferring from: Toledo

HT: 6-1 | WT: 242 | Class: Senior

Background: Boone is back in the portal after leaving Toledo and choosing Louisville just four months ago. He started his career at Maryland but played sparingly and transferred to Toledo. He exploded with the Rockets, rushing for 1,400 yards (No. 8 in the country) and 15 touchdowns on his way to Mid-American Conference Player of the Year in 2023. Boone's 7.2 yards per carry was fifth best in the country. Nicknamed "Baby Bus" for his size, he runs with plenty of downhill power when he sticks his foot in the ground.

The former three-star from Detroit has verified 4.8 40-yard dash speed. He's not an elusive runner, nor does he seem to want to share the backfield load. But he has an every-down skill set with solid pass protection and reliable hands out of the backfield. Boone would be best suited in another power gap scheme where he can get his shoulder pads pointed north.

14. Jaden Rashada, QB

Transferring from: Arizona State

HT: 6-4 | WT: 185 | Class: Freshman

Background: There is no doubt that Rashada is talented, but injuries and off-the-field noise are outweighing production for the former No. 2 dual-threat QB in the 2023 class. He's tall, athletic and a smooth passer who can drive the ball vertically with high velocity. He appeared in three games last season as a true freshman and never had the chance to find a rhythm. He certainly had flashes, throwing for four touchdowns but also threw three picks and only completed 54% of his passes. Like his predecessor at ASU, Jayden Daniels, Rashada has the ability to create as a thrower outside the pocket and has great natural tools to develop. He's still young and will be a hot commodity in the portal.

15. Cormani McClain, DB

Transferring from: Colorado

HT: 6-2 | WT: 165 | Class: Sophom*ore

Background: One of few significant high school recruits signed by Colorado in the 2023 class, the former five-star recruit and the top corner recruit in the class struggled to get on track in Boulder. Talent was never an issue. Tall corners with verified 4.5 speed and 34-inch-vertical leaping ability don't grow on trees, but the acclimation to college football appeared to be a steep learning curve, both on and off the field. After being publicly called out by coach Deion Sanders for his practice habits and not playing much to start the season, McClain came on late, starting four games as a true freshman.

He ended his tenure with the Buffaloes with 13 total tackles and two pass breakups. He would be higher in our portal rankings if we based them on physical ability, but his struggles adjusting to college should still warrant double-checking from future suitors.

16. Corey Dyches, TE

Transferring from: Maryland | Transferring to: Charlotte

HT: 6-2 | WT: 220 | Class: Senior

Background: A big receiver with a basketball background, Dyches was a three-star high school prospect who primarily received ACC and Group of 5 interest. He continued to fill out his frame at Maryland and found his niche over three seasons in the Terps' offense. He caught 39 passes with three touchdowns in 2022 and ranked second on Maryland with 49 receptions this past season.

While Dyches lacks prototypical height for a tight end, he has a wide catch radius and has developed into a tough matchup for back-seven defenders. The athletic target with H-type traits entered the portal in December but went uncommitted through the start of the spring portal window.

How he fits at Charlotte: Dyches adds position versatility for the 49ers as a matchup issue for opposing defenses. His addition, along with tight end Colin Weber (team-leading 34 receptions for 362 yds) should give opposing defenses fits when they line up together.

17. Dallan Hayden, RB

Transferring from: Ohio State

HT: 5-10 I WT: 205 I Class: Junior

Background: The ultra-talented Hayden faced a crowded running back room in Columbus. A four-star prospect at Christian Brothers (Memphis, Tennessee), Hayden ranked No. 27 nationally at his position in high school. He quickly emerged as a true freshman, rushing for 553 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games for the Buckeyes. But his carries dropped from 111 in 2022 to just 19 last season, and now former Ole Miss star Quinshon Judkins is now wearing scarlet and gray.

Hayden has great quickness through the hole and is shifty, but he lacks game-breaking speed and downhill power. He'll be more of a change-of-pace player at his next stop, but he is still a valuable option.

18. Elijhah Badger, WR

Transferring from: Arizona State

HT: 6-2 I WT: 190 I Class: Senior

Breakdown: It didn't take long for Badger to follow QB Jaden Rashada into the portal. An ESPN 300 recruit in 2020, he led ASU in receiving yards the past two seasons, recording 135 receptions for 1,579 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns during that span. He posted these numbers with inconsistent QB play and a coaching change. Badger's been a reliable go-to target with his great size and athleticism on the outside. He is a smart route runner and works leverage well to get open. ASU did a good job moving him around the offense to create mismatches with his big frame and wide catch radius on smaller DBs. While posting impressive 4.55 40-yard dash speed out of high school, he has not been the explosive vertical threat we projected out of high school and more of a big catch than big play after the catch receiver. Badger only has one year of eligibility left but will be sought after as he's an experienced veteran who can step right into a No. 1 or 2 receiver spot for a Power5 team in need.

19. Rashad Amos, RB

Transfering from: Miami (OH) | Transferring to: Mississippi State

HT: 6-2 I WT: 234 I Class: Junior

Background: A three-star prospect who signed with South Carolina in the 2020 class, Amos made little impact with the Gameco*cks. He entered the portal a year ago and broke out in 2023, rushing for over 1,000 yards with 10 touchdowns.

Amos reenters the portal with limited eligibility but a stronger résumé, which will likely lead him back to a Power 5 program. Amos is a big back who can grind out yards after contact and carry the load to wear down defenses. He got stronger as the 2023 season progressed. He ran for 421 yards on 98 carries over his first eight weeks of the season, then averaged 5.8 yards per carry over his final six games. That included a pair of games with over 160 yards rushing and helping lead the RedHawks to the Mid-American Conference title.

How he fits at Mississippi State: Amos is a big back who will help the Bulldogs transition from the Air Raid to Jeff Lebby's more balanced attack. The offense likes to get backs downhill and utilize fullbacks and H-backs in the backfield. Amos should contribute right away and has the physicality to stand up to an SEC schedule. Jo'Quavius Marks, the Bulldogs' leading rusher last season, transferred to USC so this was a position in need of depth in the portal.

20. Ja'Varrius Johnson, WR

Transferring from: Auburn

HT: 5-10 I WT: 167 I Class: Senior

Background: Johnson brings a wealth of experience considering he came out of the 2019 class. He was a solid contributor for Auburn over the past three seasons, with his best production coming in 2022, when he caught 26 passes. A diminutive receiver with a slight build, Johnson is fluid and speedy. He averaged 18 yards per catch and scored three touchdowns in 2023 despite Auburn's struggles in the passing game.

Johnson only has one year of eligibility remaining and never put together a consistent stat line, but does provide big-play potential after the catch. He's also experienced in scheme and alignment. Johnson should quickly fill a void as a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver and contribute in the return game.

21. Tacario Davis, DB

Transferring from: Arizona

HT: 6-4 | WT: 195 | Class: Junior

Background: Despite having excellent size, speed (11.2 100-meter dash) and explosiveness measurements (31-inch vertical) as a high schooler, Davis flew under the radar as a three-star corner. He's not sneaking up on anyone these days. Coming off a second-team All-Pac-12 selection, Davis will be one of the most coveted defensive backs in the portal -- that is, if he decides to transfer. Davis finished the spring with Arizona after starting all but two games for the Wildcats as a sophom*ore. He led the conference with 15 pass breakups and 16 passes defended, showcasing excellent range and closing speed breaking on routes. He's willing to come up and set the edge as well, finishing with 18 solo tackles.

The good news for Arizona fans -- Davis continued to practice throughout the spring and seems to be acclimating well to the new coaching staff following Jedd Fisch's departure to Washington.

22. Justus Ross-Simmons, WR

Transferring from: Colorado State

HT: 6-3 I WT: 195 I Class: Junior

Background: As a top outside target, Ross-Simmons had 71 catches for 1,148 yards and six touchdowns in his two seasons. He was a lightly recruited three-star prospect who moved from New York to California for his final year of high school. He was also a talented basketball player in high school, and it shows in his game. He's a big outside target who tracks the ball and will go up and pluck it with strong hands when contested.

His highest production has come versus Group of 5 opponents, but he did top 100 yards versus Washington State last season. With two years of eligibility left, he should have Power 5 suitors.

23. Philip Blidi, DL

Transferring from: Indiana

HT: 6-3 | WT: 295 | Class: Senior

Background: Coming out of New Mexico, Blidi was a multisport athlete in high school, but he still managed to make an impression as a recruit. Earning a high three-star grade, he is the fourth-highest-ranked prospect to come out of that state over the past five cycles. He signed with Texas Tech, immediately contributed and continued to do so while in Lubbock, appearing in at least 10 games in each of his three seasons there. He transferred to Indiana last season and started 11 games with a big increase in production. He tallied 30 tackles (seventh on the team) with four tackles for loss.

A big man with experience, versatility and consistent production, Blidi is a top transfer prospect getting interest from top programs, including LSU, Auburn, Oklahoma and Washington.

24. Henry Parrish Jr., RB

Transferring From: Miami

HT: 5-10 I WT: 190 | Class: Senior

Background: A South Florida prospect who signed with Ole Miss in 2020, Parrish transferred home in 2022. He led the Hurricanes in rushing in 2023, gaining over 600 yards with six touchdowns, while also catching 17 passes and notching another pair of touchdowns. An experienced back who possesses excellent quickness and lateral burst, he averaged over 6 yards per carry last season.

Parrish has never been a dynamic player, but he has been productive and brings good ball skills. A consistent performer with experience, he will draw attention as he would immediately strengthen a team's depth. His former team Ole Miss is a school to watch, with the Rebels losing Quinshon Judkins to Ohio State via transfer.

25. CJ West, DL

HT: 6-2 | WT: 315 |Class: Senior

Transferring from: Kent State

Background: Productive defensive tackles are a premium in the portal and West should be at the top of most team's boards despite having just one season of eligibility remaining. He was a third-team All-MAC selection after posting 40 total tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. West is a massive interior defender who is difficult to block with a single blocker with his explosive get off and power. He often requires a double team but can still get skinny and shed blocks.

He went overlooked out of high school with a three-star grade and no Power 5 offers, but will be highly sought after this time around.

26. Branson Hickman, C

Transferring from: SMU

HT: 6-3 | WT: 294 | Class: Senior

Background: A low three-star prospect in the 2020 class, who only garnered Group of 5 offers, Hickman has exceeded expectations. With over 30 starts in his career at SMU, he was a second-team All-AAC performer in 2023. Hickman is a good technician and competitor with knowledge to make line of scrimmage calls and adjustments.

He doesn't have the remaining eligibility or natural tools of a Jason Zandamela, another interior lineman who entered the portal, but Hickman brings value with his experience and can immediately fill a need.

27. Jason Zandamela, OT

Transferring from: USC

HT: 6-3 | WT: 290 | Class: Freshman

Background: It is a quick turnaround for Zandamela who signed with USC as part of the 2024 recruiting class and enrolled early. A flexible and physical lineman with good feet, Zandamela was a candidate to play as a true freshman. That may be slowed with the change, but he will still draw plenty of attention as one of the top OLs in the 2024 class becomes available again.

The quick change could be a cause for concern, but overall, the ESPN 300 big man still has a full slate of eligibility and raw tools to develop. Having attended Clearwater Academy in Florida, it would not be surprising to see him return to the Sunshine State.

28. Marcus Bryant, OT

Transferring from: SMU

HT: 6-8 | WT: 318 | Class: Senior

Background: A multi-year starter, Bryant, a former three-star, has the size and experience (29 starts) that will be coveted in this spring portal. The 2023 All-AAC first-team selection will only have one year of eligibility remaining in college, but has great length in pass protection and athletic movements at the second level. Leverage can be an issue but this is a technically sound tackle who can be plugged right into a lineup.

29. Eli Stowers, QB/TE

Transferring from: New Mexico State

HT: 6-4 | WT: 225 | Class: Junior

Background: As a tall, lengthy passer with a live arm, Stowers was an intriguing prospect in the 2021 recruiting class. Also, a track and field standout , he was a dual-threat QB who could make plays with his legs and showed great athleticism and ball skills if he was to change positions. He signed with Texas A&M as a QB and had minimal game contributions while in College Station. He transferred to New Mexico State and contributed to the Aggies' 10-win season in multiple ways. He was third on the team with 35 catches and a pair of scores. He also ran for two touchdowns and threw another.

His impact in college has been limited, but with a successful move to TE, he'll be an intriguing player to watch with a likely return to a Power 5 program.

30. Simeon Barrow Jr., DL

Transferring from: Michigan State Spartans

HT: 6-3 | WT: 290 | Class: Senior

Background: A big defensive lineman out of the state of Georgia, Barlow signed with Michigan State in 2020 as a three-star defensive end with room to add size. Fast-forward four years and he has gotten bigger while still remaining explosive off the ball. He's been a strong presence for the Spartans in the middle of their defense with his ability to hold his ground with strong hands and also get a push up field with quick feet and leverage.

Barrow brings consistency as well with 30 starts over the past three seasons while having more than 30 tackles and three sacks in each of them.

31. Jaxon Howard, DE

Transferring from: LSU | Transferring to: Minnesota

HT: 6-4 | WT: 240 | Class: Freshman (redshirted in 2023)

Background: The 16th ranked defensive end in the 2023 ESPN 300, he certainly showed flashes of his tools and upside in his true freshman season in Baton Rouge. With the ideal body type for the hybrid DE/OLB position, Howard has long arms with the speed and athleticism to disrupt off the edge. Howard is very explosive, but is still developing the nuances of a pass rusher and the leverage power to anchor versus the run.

The former top-ranked player in the state of Minnesota will need some development time before becoming impactful.

How he fits at Minnesota: Howard is coming back home and fills a major need as Minnesota was 60th in the nation last season in sacks last season and lacked an explosive edge presence. Jah Joyner did break out as a rotational player with 7.5 sacks and Howard can form a great bookend with him. New defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman is simplifying the defense with an emphasis on playing fast and aggressive. Howard fits perfectly as the rush edge defender in this defense.

32. Rayyan Buell, DT

Transferring from: Ohio

HT: 6-3 | WT: 277 | Class: Senior

Background: After initially signing with Rutgers, then going to Northwest Mississippi Community College, Buell was a third-team All-MAC player for Ohio last year. He was a disruptive presence this year with 12. 5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and 30 total tackles. He posted a verified 5.09 40-yard dash at 280 pounds in high school and has improved that speed and explosiveness while increasing his functional strength. Buell flashes a great get-off and short-area burst to chase down quarterbacks and elusive running backs.

He's had a journey but could finally showcase his ability at the Power5 level. Finding the right scheme which will allow him to play fast from a shade technique should lead to another productive season.

33. Jermayne Lole, DL

Transferring from: Louisville

HT: 6-3 | WT: 310 | Class: Senior

Background: Lole's production has certainly dipped but he still offers value with his disruptive presence (25 career tackles for loss) and experience (40 career games) on the defensive front. He started his career at Arizona State where he racked up 11 sacks over three seasons. After an injury-plagued first season at Louisville, he bounced back with strong play in 2023 (19 tackles including five for a loss).

When healthy, Lole is one the most active interior defensive linemen in college football. He will beat blockers off the ball with quickness or shed with powerful leverage. The tires have lost some tread, but if used situationally, Lole could be the steal of this spring portal class.

34. J'Mond Tapp, DE

Transferring from: Texas

HT: 6-3 | WT: 266 | Class: Sophom*ore

Background: Tapp, the No. 17 defensive end in the 2022 ESPN 300, came to Austin with a lot of promise. He had moderate size in high school but was quick off the ball with good explosiveness in pursuit. He's added good strength in college but currently lacks dominant physical skills as a pass rusher and it's caught up to him at Texas as the position group continues to get more talented.

His transfer makes sense since he wasn't in line for a starting role as a third-year player who redshirted as a freshman and saw limited action as a sophom*ore. He had nine tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss in his career at Texas, and while we see a quality college starter, it likely won't be at a blue-chip program.

35. JaQues Evans, LB/EDGE

Transferring from: Western Kentucky

HT: 6-2 | WT: 250 | Class: Senior

Background: The No. 92-rated defensive end in the 2020 class went under the radar with only minimal Power 5 attention. The second time around, Evans should be coveted. He played in only six games in 2023 before suffering a season-ending injury but had a stellar sophom*ore season in which he started all 14 games for the Hilltoppers on his way to earning All-Conference USA first-team honors. In 2022, Evans led WKU in tackles (107) including 14 for loss and nine sacks. He lacks ideal height and length for an edge player but creates havoc with his foot speed and ability to bend and chase. He's ideal for a 3-4 team that utilizes a hybrid linebacker/end position.

36. Romello Height, DE

Transferring from: USC

HT: 6-3 | WT: 230 | Class: Senior

Background: The four-star out of Georgia signed with Auburn as part of the Tigers' 2020 recruiting class. He had his best college production in 2021 as a redshirt freshman when he posted 19 tackles, including three for loss, while appearing in nine games. He hit the portal and suffered an injury-plagued first season at USC but bounced back in 2023 with 21 tackles and four sacks. Height will be a hot commodity given his burst off the edge and explosive closing speed as a pass-rusher. He is instinctive and provides scheme versatility with his skill set.

37. Tyler Williams, WR

Transferring from: Georgia

HT: 6-3 | WT: 205 | Class: Sophom*ore

Background: Williams, the No. 21 wide receiver in the 2023 ESPN 300, is a fabulous athlete who did not make the immediate impact some expected given his excellent size and speed. He lined up everywhere in high school and was also a talented basketball player. Williams should be one of the top recruited players in the portal given his length, ball skills and ability to run. He also has four years of eligibility remaining, which is attractive.

38. Cedrick Hawkins Jr., DB

Transferring from: Ohio State | Transferring to : UCF

HT: 5-11 | WT: 182 | Class: Freshman (redshirted in 2023)

Background: The former four-star prospect from Florida signed with Ohio State in 2023 and didn't see the field as a true freshman. His playing time was decreased in the spring as well. It's not a lack of talent for Hawkins, but the DB depth in Columbus is one best in the country. Hawkins has size and 4.6-second speed in the 40. In high school, he was a tackling machine, showcasing excellent range and physicality in run support and athletic coverage skills. The talented safety will have four years of eligibility remaining after redshirting this past season.

How he fits at UCF: While Hawkins did not play a snap for the Buckeyes last season as a true freshman, the Florida native will add immediate depth to a Knights secondary which lost Nikai Martinez to the portal after great production from the back-end last season. UCF finished with a 6-7 record in its first season in the Big 12 and had no problems moving the football under Gus Malzahn. Defense is where the holes were. UCF was 8th in the conference in total defense and last versus the run in the Big 12. New defensive coordinator Ted Roof will attack more and Hawkins' explosive closing speed and versatile skill-set fits schematically.

39. Trent Howland, RB

Transferring from: Indiana

HT: 6-3 | WT: 240 | Class: Junior

Background: The Class of 2021 recruit was quiet until this past season. He finished 2023 as Indiana's leading rusher, totaling 75 carries for 354 yards on 4.7 yards per carry. A big back, Howland runs with power but was also tracked at 21 mph in high school and has deceptive speed in the open field. His best career game came last season against Michigan State, when he rushed 19 times for 77 yards and a touchdown. A back this size with good feet in traffic could be a steal if he finds the right downhill system that will feed him the rock.

40. Reuben Unije, OL

Transferring from: Louisville

HT: 6-5 | WT: 310 | Class: Senior

Background: Unije has had quite the journey. He was ranked the No. 31 offensive tackle in the 2018 class and played his senior season of high school at national power IMG Academy. He signed with Illinois but spent his first year in junior college before enrolling and playing four seasons at Houston. The 6-foot-5, 310-pound offensive tackle started 11 games this past season and was strong in pass protection for the Cougars, utilizing good length and balance. He's a plug-and-play right tackle with one remaining year of eligibility. He definitely has talent but has also bounced around, spending only the spring at Louisville before deciding to transfer again.

41. Bill Norton, DL

Transferring from: Arizona

HT: 6-6 | WT: 325 | Class: Senior

Background: Norton, who was No. 121 in the ESPN 300 for the 2019 class, originally signed with Georgia. He was mainly a reserve for the Bulldogs before transferring to Arizona prior to the 2023 season. Norton lived up to the ranking in 2023. He played in all 13 games and finished with 31 tackles, 2 forced fumbles and 2.5 tackles for loss. He's a big-bodied space-eater but is active in pursuit and has a motor. Norton has one season of eligibility remaining.